By Ross Jones, FOXSports.com The Seahawks didn’t waste an opportunity to send the league a message in a 34-22 win against the Cardinals on Thursday night. That message? They may hold the league's best home-field advantage, but they can dominate away from Seattle, too. While some analysts said the Seahawks were prone to an upset, Seattle looked polished, rested and relentless in front of a rowdy crowd at Glendale Stadium in Arizona. There’s no question that the Cardinals, underneath first-year head coach Bruce Arians, are building a team to sustain success, but it was evident they have a long way to go if they hope to seriously compete in the NFC West and the 6-1 Seahawks. Arizona QB Carson Palmer struggled to pilot a meaningful scoring drive until the game was out of reach, constantly under duress because of poor offensive line play. And Palmer, who was hit 13 times and sacked another seven times, wasn’t helped out by a consistent running game, either. Off to their best start through seven weeks in franchise history, the Seahawks have 10 days to prepare for a trip to St. Louis on Monday night in Week 8. Oh, and receiver/running back/returner Percy Harvin, their signature offseason acquisition, may be back for that game according to NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport. He has missed the entire season to this point with a hip injury. OK, let’s get into what we know:Russell Wilson can create with the best of them — but he's still developing, too
Yeah, that’s probably the highlight of the night. Arizona linebacker Daryl Washington was in the middle of tackling Wilson, but the second-year quarterback was still able to complete the pass. An unbelievable play, to be sure. But all wasn't perfect with Wilson on Thursday night. In fact, at times he cost his team points, including fumbling the ball deep in Seattle territory to allow the Cardinals to punch in a Rashard Mendenhall touchdown. But Wilson persevered. He finds ways to make the most of each snap and extend drives. The Cardinals’ front four got consistent pressure and even forced Wilson to fumble three times, two of which were recovered. Was it entirely his fault? Probably not. But Wilson took accountability for the mistakes in the postgame interview on the NFL Network set and declared he still has a long way to go. He also created some plays while under duress. In the first quarter, under a herd of pressure, Wilson rolled out to his right and witnessed a broken coverage. It looked like he was throwing the ball away, instead he found a wide open Sidney Rice in the end zone:
Rice finished the night with three receptions for 50 yards and a score, but all receivers and tight ends contributed. Wilson completed a pass to nine different players, receiver Golden Tate getting four balls for a game-high 77 yards. The fourth-year receiver from Notre Dame is on pace to have a career year and has filled the Harvin role admirably. Tate, 25, is still young enough to get better, and has vastly improved his ability after the catch. He even returned a punt for a touchdown, though it was called back because of an illegal block. Let’s give him some credit for his celebration, though:
Ever hear of the Legion of Boom?
Seattle’s secondary is comprised of a vicious, hard-hitting, trash-talking quartet of players. They call themselves the Legion of Boom. Of course Richard Sherman is the centerpiece to the unit. Nobody talks a bigger game in the NFL than Sherman, but he can because he backs it up. Brandon Browner, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor also wreak havoc on their opponents. Through three quarters, Palmer was unable to find any rhythm in the passing game and it was mostly due to the fine work of Seattle’s cornerbacks. All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was limited to just two catches for 17 yards, his night’s highlight an ear-shattering block on Sherman. Palmer was also picked off twice and Browner had a chance at returning it for a touchdown before tripping just short of the goal line. Wonder what Pete Carroll’s expression was to the gaffe?
Hilarious, huh? No problems in Seattle as Marshawn Lynch would find the end zone two plays later, which brings me to my next point. Marshawn Lynch can sit wherever he pleases
That includes the Gatorade bucket. He might not have the eye-popping statistics of LeSean McCoy or the dazzling highlight runs of Adrian Peterson, but the Seahawks seventh-year running back might be the most complete of them all. Lynch, 27, has plenty of tread left on the tires, too. His ability to find the end zone around the goal line is unrivaled and his running style has defenders cringing to tackle him. Don’t believe it? Here’s Lynch running over Darnell Dockett:
Cardinals will be in the offensive tackle market come May
There was some poor offensive line play in Glendale on Thursday night. Granted both teams dress elite defensive lines, but the Cardinals should still be embarrassed by their play. Left tackle Bradley Sowell was exposed all night by defensive ends Chris Clemons and Cliff Avril. If that wasn’t enough, right tackle Eric Winston got blown up by Chancellor — yeah, the safety we mentioned earlier.
In total the Cardinals allowed seven sacks and never gave Palmer enough time in the pocket until it was way too late. So, who should be on the Cardinals’ radar in May? Here are a few names: Jake Matthews (Texas A&M), Taylor Lewan (Michigan) and Cyrus Kouandijo (a junior from Alabama). Those Arizona fans really know how to fuel up for a primetime game Who knew Arizona had such an inspired fan base? The Cardinals aren’t traditionally known for a loyal following, but they brought out the costumes and showed up in droves for the nationally televised tilt. Have a look at some of our favorites:
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